Most people who find the mercharness at all uncomfortable usually have it set up incorrectly. Start off with centering the single rubber bead in the middle of your back (helps to have some help). When mounting it to the sheath ensure that one lead is attached to the the top, and the other lead to a rear hole. This ensures that the knife will not pendulum, my primary issue with neck carry.
I am currently working on new carry and deployment options with Crawford Knives, as well as a redesign on their Ti Credit Card knife.
There are makers out there who make great knives, less make good kydex, even fewer understand the difference between carry and deployment options. This means the customer will be limited in their options. More than one knife has been sold, traded, or given away because the carry option created by the make did not suit the needs of the customer. Most often because of an integrated belt loop or the Tec Loc AKA the enemy of concealment.
Carry option- usually a leather or kydex sheath intended to protect the blade and retain the knife with the use of friction, snaps, buckles or whatever. Primarily to ensure the knife will not fall out. The problem is just like duty holsters is that retention is a principle that works both ways. What keeps the knife from falling out will also need to be defeated for you to draw the knife.
Deployment options- what position are we most likely to be in when we need to draw our knife? Most carry options are based on the used being in standing erect position. We actually spend little time this way. Especially under stress we are likely to be at least crouched down. This makes many carry options uncomfortable and difficult. Then add in the positions of sitting, on your back, on your stomach, and kneeling, you can see where it gets even tougher. Then add in the dynamic movement associated with interpersonal combat what you find in that options that will serve you best are pretty limited.
The first thing is comfort so that you carry it everyday no matter what you wear. This usually means having 1-2 spare sheaths for the knife. Next you want the knife to move as the body moves but at the same time stays in place. When pressure testing this stuff we have found that the best two, and most inexpensive options are the
Tactical Tether and
mercharness. They were both bred out of necessity.
I hope the above gives a better understanding and what is involved in getting the most out of your fixed blades, especially those for self-defense purposes.- George
MCS Blog
